Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-domino reading, yet simpler than most other layouts. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other layouts which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future layout, it contains these dominoes in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other dominoes that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The dominoes are to be read as follows:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle  Four/Six |
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Hidden Influences  Three/Five |
External Influences  One/One |
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The Present  One/Six |
Suggestion  Three/Blank |
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The Past  Two/Four |
The Outcome  Two/Five |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Two/Four
There will be no results, as a dried-up tree produces no fruit. This sign indicates that your reach may have exceeded your grasp. The constantly afflicted mind cannot achieve its desires, and therefore continues to suffer. Too many, or too lofty wishes will not be fulfilled. This sign also suggests performing rituals to ancestors and earth spirits to rectify disturbances.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
One/Six
This domino is like a personal visit from the chief deity governing MO divination. A visit from Manjushri himself is the most awesome sign of them all. Your goals will certainly be achieved if you heed his advice and choose to tie up loose ends. The completion of old projects that you have left unfinished will be highly beneficial. Visualising and meditating on Manjushri is highly recommended.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Three/Five
This sign indicates a great disturbance, and that happiness will be destroyed. There is most likely an enemy, perhaps even a lawsuit. Black magic may have been performed against you. You are being harmed by reciprocal fighting, gossip, or by having gone to a place of much quarrelling. Nothing you do will produce successful results unless you intend to do harm. Now is the time to confront your enemies and settle differences. You should try to find a positive way to vent negative emotions, such as taking action against a perceived injustice. Rituals of making yellow clay stupas representative of deities, saints, or sacred happenings would be beneficial.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Four/Six
This sign indicates great stability, and that projects already begun will meet with success. Generally, a favourable sign, the only problem may be a delay in travel, as this is a sign of staying in one place.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
One/One
The time is at hand to pursue new ventures. Your wishes will be accomplished, exceeding all expectations. The study of logic will bear tremendous fruit, as would diligent meditation upon your special deity or spirit guide. Partnerships are extremely well-favoured. Opportunities may seem too good to be true, but hear them out fully before ruling anything out.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.�
Three/Blank
That which has confused you will soon become clear. Your ability to think lucidly is reaching its zenith. Solutions to lingering problems will soon be obvious to you, and you may question how it was possible that you did not see this before.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Two/Five
This is a sign of great strength, and that you will achieve great success at the expense of your enemies. Powerful and destructive activities will meet with great success. Rituals to your spiritual protectors should be continually performed. Works involving earth and water will have difficulties.
